As the seasons change the desire to spend time outdoors and travel to far flung destinations in search of a little R&R and escapism is a powerful pull. For me to totally relax, I seek out a home from home, combining the transportive power of alluring destinations with the familiarity and comfort of beautiful living spaces that instantly cocoon.

We’ve partnered with our friends at Unique Homestays to inspire you for the sunny season ahead. Whether you're unplugging by the coast, scaling mountain peaks or re-creating a staycation oasis at home, this is your invitation to step away from the everyday, restore and reconnect.

If you’re looking for a weekend destination or a get-together with family, a solo trip or a romantic jaunt with your other half, if you’re anything like me the decor, the location, the whole vibe has to feel rather special. I love my home and it’s important for me to have that comfort when looking for a break away too to help me completely relax. I love to be surrounded by natural elements, whether that’s on the coast or in the middle of a forest, it’s important that I can get outside and soak up the sights and sounds of nature, this makes me feel super-restored. 

Unique Homestays (as their name suggests), have an amazing collection of homes with oodles of soul in the most stunning locations. Whether you’re looking to get off-grid, go for nice long walks, by the sea or in a magical forest, their curated collection of homes away from home ooze style and a super-chic luxury. Nearly all of their getaway destinations embrace the transportative power of nature and the beauty of landscape around them. Think coastal walks in Cornwall, losing yourself in a secret garden or just lazy afternoons spent chilling around your outside pool!

That connection with outdoor living epitomises those holiday feels, and allows you to completely relax and soak up a new way of soulful and wholesome living that takes your mind away from the everyday. 

In my book, interiors can be just as transportative as exteriors! The feeling of being cocooned and surrounded by comforting accents makes somewhere new feel welcoming and familiar. I tend to veer away from stark white or decor that’s too busy and go for a pared back interior in warming colours and textures preferably by the use of natural materials like wood, slate, stone etc. Design details that embrace honest materials create an elevated look that sits between hotel-chic and home comfort. 

I’ve always loved cabin style and often dreamed of living in a remote cabin somewhere but the reality of ever indulging this fantasy is pretty remote with the biz etc. However, I can live out my dream (albeit temporary) and rent one. Unique Homestays have helpfully categorised their homes and have a wonderful collection of cabins for me to drool over. Check them out here

One thing I love to do as spring rolls into summer is to create a little staycation magic at home so I can reap the benefits of a restorative oasis at the weekend in my very own pad.

1. Make your outside space just as relaxing as your indoor space with furniture, lighting and accessories that ooze comfort and familiarity and a firepit to keep you cosy when the evening chills set in, there’s nothing like a real flame to captivate the senses.

2. Be inspired by one of your favourite get-aways, whether that’s making your bathroom feel a little more spa-like or adding some scent to transport you back to those heady holiday feels.

3. Create an outdoor kitchen or eat outside - even on the bleakest days this makes me feel like I’ve gone back to basics, switched off and I could be anywhere other than my East London back garden. 

Whether you're planning an adventure, or harnessing the transformative power of creating holiday feels at home by turning your pad into an inspired retreat, this is the time to let the outside in, the inside out, and indulge in spaces that make you feel calm, cocooned and full of inspiration. Plan your escape, at home or away.

Fancy a luxury stay in a totally unique house overlooking the beautiful coast of Cornwall? Of course you do, we’ve partnered with Unique Homestays and we’re offering a 3 nights stay at The Signal Station on the Lizard Peninsula AND A £1000 Abigail Ahern Homeware Voucher to re-create those vacation vibes at home.

Up on the cliffs of Cornwall’s wild Lizard Peninsula, The Signal Station is a luxury maritime home with a rooftop terrace, built in 1872 as a beacon of safety for passing vessels. Oozing understated coastal charm that perfectly complements the ever-changing horizon.

Unique Homestays has curated a collection of the UK's most exclusive luxury cottages, for a unique self-catering experience that ensures the magic lasts long after the holiday ends.